Our community’s response to the crash of Continental Flight 3407 reminded me of why I am so proud to call Erie County and Western New York home. 

Over the course of that long and stressful week, hundreds of county employees worked tirelessly on behalf of the victims’ family members and the Town of Clarence.  Our community was presented with the difficult task of responding to an incident we prepare for, but hope never happens.   From the immediate moments following the crash and in the days that followed, Erie County’s professionals relied on their training, worked diligently, and acted with compassion. 

The County’s Commissioner of Emergency Services, Greg Skibitsky was fighting another fire when he got the call about the crash of Flight 3407.  Greg’s team at the County’s Emergency Operations Center in Cheektowaga was charged with coordinating the County’s overall response to this tragedy.  Personally, Greg spent days at the scene coordinating resources and overseeing the effort to recover the victim’s remains from the wreckage. 

The physicians in the County’s Health Department performed some of the most difficult, yet critical tasks of this entire experience.  Commissioner Anthony Billittier, MD led the effort to indentify the victims and provide important information to family members.  Doctor Billittier’s incredible team included: Dr. Scott Zimmerman, Dr. James Woytash, Dr. Dianne Vertes, Dr. Mark LeVaughn, and Dr. Jonrika Malone.  The County’s Department of Public Works, under the direction of Commissioner Gerard Sentz, also provided much needed assistance at the site, as crews worked to bring a sense of normalcy back to Clarence Center. 

This tragedy played out on a world stage and demonstrated that Erie County is prepared to deal with any emergency that comes our way.  We have received calls from around the country from officials that want to learn from our handling of these events.  Our response was greatly enhanced through the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers.  I especially want to recognize the brave members of the Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company who were on the scene within moments of the crash.   Their heroism is inspiring.  In addition, the Department’s Women’s Auxiliary worked around the clock to feed the hundreds of officials and volunteers who were on site day and night.   Members of the Airport and Buffalo Fire Departments also spent days at the scene, bringing specialized units to help the clean up effort.

Rev. Stan Bratton from the Network of Religious Communities, and the Erie County Fire Chaplain, Father Joseph Bayne, played an instrumental role in helping my office organize an interfaith community prayer service on the Monday after the crash.  Pastor Karl Eastlack provided the setting for the service at Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, and gave a moving sermon about hope.  I would like to thank them all for their help giving our citizens some solace. 

This tragedy highlighted how well agencies at every level can work together seamlessly in Western New York.  I am incredibly proud of the grace our community showed the world, during our darkest hour.